Exercise mat

ABSTRACT

An improved exercise mat allows performance of one or more physical activities while preventing direct user contact with the floor. In this manner, a user always remains “on” the mat unlike traditional exercise mats. The improved exercise mat may comprise a resilient material having a shape configured to prevent direct contact with the floor. The shape may be non-rectangular to save material and space, and may be continuous or a single piece. In one embodiment, the shape has portions that correspond to locations where a user&#39;s body would ordinarily contact the floor during a physical activity. The improved exercise mat may comprise textured areas, variable cushioning areas, or both configured based on one or more physical activities to provide cushioning and texturing appropriate to the physical activities.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of and priority to ProvisionalPatent Application 61/217,949 titled Exercise Mat, filed Jun. 5, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to exercise equipment and in particularto an improved exercise mat.

2. Related Art

Traditional rectangular exercise mats are very restrictive in that theylimit a user to particular motions if the user is to keep his or herappendages “on” the mat. For example, a user's arms or legs often extendbeyond the outer margins of the exercise mat. This results in directuser contract with the floor despite having an exercise mat to preventjust such an occurrence. In addition, when areas of the body extendbeyond the mat, these area do not enjoy the benefit of padding of themat. Moreover, parts of the body that extend beyond the mat touch thefloor, which may be unclean.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that thepresent invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the priorart while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits notcontemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved exercise mat is provided herein. In one or more embodiments,the improved exercise mat provides the benefit of preventing directcontact with the floor during physical activities. In this manner, auser of the improved exercise mat always remains “on” the mat allowingthe mat to always provide cushioning or padding for a user performingphysical activities. This also increases cleanliness for the user. As aresult, a user will realize a more effective and enjoyable exercisesession.

In one embodiment, the improved exercise mat may comprise a resilientmaterial, one or more textured areas, and one or more variablecushioning areas. The textured areas may be configured to providevarious surfaces for particular physical activities. For example, agripping surface or a sliding surface may be provided. The variablecushioning areas may be configured to provide increased or decreasedcushioning or padding at one or more locations of the mat. This providesadditional support, comfort, or both for one or more physicalactivities.

The improved exercise mat's padded material may comprise one or moreportions of the mat or the entire mat. These portions may be selectivelylocated to provide a cushion between a user and a floor duringperformance of a particular physical activity. In this manner, the shapeprevents the user from directly contacting the floor during performanceof the particular physical activity. The shape may also reduce the sizeand thus the amount of space occupied by the mat and reduces the amountof material needed to form the mat. The shape will typically, but notalways, be continuous and non-rectangular.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIGS. 1A-1F are top views illustrating exemplary improved exercise matshaving various exemplary shapes;

FIGS. 2A-2B are top views illustrating exemplary improved exercise matshaving textured areas and variable cushioning areas;

FIG. 2C is a top view illustrating an exemplary improved exercise mathaving textured areas; and

FIGS. 3A-3C are top views illustrating exemplary improved exercise matscomprising one or more mat modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

Exercise mats are used for a variety of physical activities. Typically,an exercise mat is used to cushion or reduce the impact of a user'sfeet, hands, or other body parts against the floor. An exercise mat mayalso be used as a padded surface to support the weight of a user therebycushioning the user against the floor. For example, a user may sit,stand, or lie on the exercise mat while performing an exercise.

Use of an exercise mat increases user comfort and, in some cases, makesphysical activities safer. For example, reducing the impact of a user'sappendages against the floor can reduce the likelihood of injury fromimpacting a hard floor. These benefits allow a user to comfortablyperform physical activities for longer periods of time.

As stated, traditional exercise mats generally comprise a rectangular orsquare shape. This limits the benefits of traditional exercise matsbecause there are relatively few physical activities which allow a userto stay within the confines of a traditional exercise mat. Thus, usersoften come into direct contact with the floor or other surface despitehaving an exercise mat.

A traditional exercise mat may be enlarged so as to encompass an arealarge enough for a user to always remain “on” the mat. However, this isan inefficient use of space and exercise mat materials. Such a large matmay be unwieldy, heavy, and inconvenient to move. In addition, wheremany users are performing physical activities, such as in an exerciseclass, large mats may reduce the number of people who may attend theclass.

The improved exercise mat disclosed herein addresses undesirable aspectsof traditional rectangular exercise mats while providing additionalbenefits. In general, the improved exercise mat comprises a unique shapewhich allows physical activities to be performed with the user alwaysremaining “on” the mat. It is contemplated that various shapes may beused for various types of physical activity. For example, one or moreshapes may be used for yoga, while one or more other shapes may be usedfor aerobics.

The unique shape is not rectangular and thus may use less mat materialas well as less space while allowing a user to always remain on the matduring physical activity. FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate exemplary shapes whichthe improved exercise mat may have. As can be seen, these shapes mayinclude tapers, extensions, rounded or circular areas, angles, and thelike. Because the mat may be shaped to correspond to the locations wherea user would ordinarily contact the floor during a physical exercise,the mat may also help ensure proper technique during the physicalexercise. In other words, if the user is off the improved exercise mat,the user knows that he or she is moving or positioning his or her bodyimproperly for the particular physical exercise.

FIG. 1A illustrates an improved exercise mat 104 having a first end 116and a second end 120. As can be seen, in this embodiment, the mat 104tapers inward from its ends. This allows various standing and sittingphysical activities. In particular however, this allows a user to lie onthe mat 104 and spread his or her arms and legs while always remainingon the mat.

FIG. 1B illustrates and improved exercise mat 104 which is tapered atits first end 116 and second end 120. As can be seen, the mat 104 mayalso have a rounded or other shaped middle portion. This also allowsvarious standing and sitting physical activities. In addition, a usermay lie on the mat 104. The middle portion of the mat 104 allows aseated user to sit on the mat while the first and second end 116, 120can accommodate the user's arms and legs.

FIG. 1C illustrates an improved exercise mat 104 having a rounded firstend 116 and second end 120. In this embodiment, the mat 104 taperstowards the center of the mat. The larger first and second ends 116, 120allow a user to lie on the mat 104 and spread his or her arms and legsduring physical activity. In addition, the larger first and second ends116, 120 allow a user to be seated at either end to perform the desiredphysical activities. Standing physical activities may also be performedon this embodiment of the mat 104.

FIGS. 1D-1F illustrate additional example embodiments of the improvedexercise mat 104. As can be seen, each embodiment may be used for avariety of physical activities. In general, the motion of the userduring a physical activity will govern what embodiment of the mat 104 isbest suited for the physical activity. The mat 104 that is best suitedwill typically be one where a user can always remain “on” the mat whileperforming the physical activity. In one or more embodiments, the shapeof the mat 104 may be defined based on the movement of a user'sappendages during one or more particular physical activities.

More particularly, in one or more embodiments, the shape of the mat 104may correspond to locations where a user would ordinarily contact thefloor during one or more physical activities. For example, the shape maycomprise one or more portions located where a user would contact thefloor during one or more particular physical activities. In an aerobicsembodiment for example, the shape may have portions wherever a userwould step during this type of physical activity. In a yoga embodiment,the shape may have portions wherever a user would contact the floor toperform one or more or a particular set of yoga poses. Typically, butnot always, the shape of the mat 104 will be continuous or one piece. Itis noted that in the case of a modular mat, as described herein, it willbe understood that the mat's shape is one piece once its modules havebeen connected together.

To illustrate, the shape of the embodiment of FIG. 1E may be used forphysical activities where the user lies down and extends his or her armsoutward. As can be seen this embodiment comprises outwardly extendingtabs which may be used to prevent contact with the floor as the user'sarms as they are extended. In this manner, the shape corresponds tolocations where the user would ordinarily contact the floor during thistype of physical activity. As stated, this reduces the amount ofmaterial required to form the improved exercise mat 104 and reduces thespace occupied by the mat.

It is noted that the shape of the improved exercise mat 104 may beconfigured for one or more physical activities. For example, theembodiment of FIG. 1E may also be used for standing exercises. As can beseen, the tabs can be used to accommodate a narrow or wide stance thusallowing physical activities where the user moves his or her legs to beperformed while always keeping the user on the mat 104.

Though the above embodiments of the improved exercise mat 104 have beendescribed with regard to one or more physical activities which may beperformed while standing, sitting, or lying down, it is noted thatvarious other physical activities may be performed on the mat 104 aswell. For example, various yoga poses or aerobic exercises may beperformed on the mat 104. It will be understood that the mat's shape maybe selected according to the one or more physical activities which auser desires to perform on the mat 104.

An additional aspect of the improved exercise mat 104 is the variabilityof its cushioning. This aspect may be used to give the mat 104 areaswith more or less cushioning or padding. For example, thicker or densermaterials may be used to provide additional cushioning while thinner orless dense materials may be used to provide reduced cushioning. This isbeneficial because additional cushioning may better support weight whilereduced cushioning may be more responsive and easier to transport. Inthis manner, a single mat 104 may comprise areas having different levelsof cushioning. The level and location of cushioning may be based on themovements and body positions associated with physical activities to beperformed with the mat 104. For example, areas which may support asignificant or other portion of the user's weight (e.g. areas where auser may stand, sit, or lift him or herself), may have additional orincreased cushioning while other areas have reduced cushioning.

It is noted that the cushioning may also be varied according to othercharacteristics. For example, more resilient materials may be used insome areas. In general, these materials will return to their originalshape faster to ensure that repeated motions by a user are cushioned. Inother areas, less resilient materials may be used. These materials mayconform better to a user's body to provide additional comfort.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate exemplary improved exercise mats 104 having oneor more variable cushioning areas 208. In one or more embodiments, thevariable cushioning areas 208 will have more or less cushioning than themat 104 itself. It is noted that the dashed lines in the figures areused to identify the variable cushioning areas 208 and that in one ormore embodiments, the variable cushioning areas may not be visible.Though particular configurations of variable cushioning areas 208 areshown, a variety of variable cushioning areas may be used with theimproved exercise mat 104. Also as stated, the configuration of variablecushioning areas 208 may be based on the physical activities to beperformed on the mat 104.

For example, in FIG. 2A, the cushioning areas 208 may correspond to theposition of a standing users feet or the position of a user's palmsduring physical activity. In this embodiment, the variable cushioningareas 208 may have additional cushioning to support the user's weight.In FIG. 2B, a single variable cushioning area 208 is provided at acentral portion of the improved exercise mat 104. It is noted that a mat104 need not have any variable cushioning areas 208, such as illustratedin FIG. 2C and hence, the mat could have the same degree of paddingthroughout.

The cushioning areas 208 may be flush with the surface of the improvedexercise mat 104 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, cushioningareas 208 may be higher or lower than the surface of the mat 104. Forexample, in one embodiment, a pillow may be formed with a raisedcushioning area 208. In another embodiment, a depressed or loweredcushioning area 208 may be provided. For example, a depression forming aseat-like shape or a depression conforming to a portion of the user'sbody may be provided. This may be used to increase comfort and ensurethere are no pressure points while the user is using the mat 104.

In one or more embodiments, the improved exercise mat 104 may be formedfrom one or more materials configured to provide padding or cushioning.For example, foam, rubber, or both may be used to form the improvedexercise mat 104. The materials may deform in response to weight orcontact with a user and return to their original shape or configurationsubsequently. In one or more embodiments, the materials may be soft sothat they may provide padding or cushioning. It is noted that thematerials may also be flexible such as to allow the mat 104 to be rolledfor transport or storage.

Variable cushioning areas 208 of the improved exercise mat 104 may beformed from the materials as well. In one or more embodiments, thevariable cushioning areas 208 will be formed from different materialsthan the improved exercise mat 104. For example, denser or less densematerials may be used to increase or decrease cushioning, respectively.It is contemplated that the variable cushioning areas 208 may beintegrally formed in some embodiments. In other embodiments, thevariable cushioning areas 208 may be adhered, welded, or otherwiseattached after the improved exercise mat 104 is formed. It iscontemplated that variable cushioning areas 208 may beremovable/replaceable in one or more embodiments.

Another aspect of the improved exercise mat 104 is the variability ofits surface texturing. FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate exemplary improvedexercise mats 104 having textured areas 204. Like the variablecushioning areas 208, the textured areas 204 may be at various locationsand have various shapes or configurations. In general, the texturedareas 204 provide a particular surface for one or more physicalactivities.

For example, some physical activities may require a surface which gripsthe user while, in other physical activities, a slick or slipperysurface may be more desirable. Thus, different areas of the mat may havedifferent levels of friction thereby forcing the mat to grip the user orallow the user to slip upon the surface of the mat. The textured areas204 provide a surface suited to one or more physical activities. It isnoted that other areas of the improved exercise mat 104, including thevariable cushioning areas 208, may have a texture. In one or moreembodiments, the texture of the textured areas 204 may be distinct orun-related to the texture of the other portions of the improved exercisemat 104. It is noted that a textured area 204 may cover or form aportion of a variable cushioning area 208 in some embodiments. This isadvantageous in that it allows a variable cushioning area 208 to have aparticular level of cushioning as well as a particular texture. Forexample, a user may desire a high grip area with increased cushioningfor some physical activities.

FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment, with two textured areas 204. As canbe seen the textured areas 204 may take up some or all of the improvedexercise mat's area. The textured areas 204 may have different texturesas stated above. In this embodiment for example, one textured area 204may have a gripping or high friction surface while the other has asliding or low friction surface. This would allow various physicalactivities to be performed. For example, a user may lie on the grippingsurface allowing his or her legs to slide on the sliding surface duringa physical activity.

In one or more embodiments, the improved exercise mat 104 may bemodular. For example, the mat 104 may comprise one or more mat moduleswhich may be combined to form the mat. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate exemplarymats 104 formed with one or more mat modules 304. As can be seen, avariety of shapes may be formed by the mat modules 304. Though shown ina rectangular or square shape, it will be understood that mat modules304 may be configured in various shapes. In one embodiment, the matmodules 304 may have interlocking shapes such as puzzle pieces.

The mat modules 304 may be formed from the materials described above toprovide cushioning or padding. Mat modules 304 of various materials maybe combined to form an improved exercise mat 104. In this mannerdifferent levels of cushioning may be provided at particular areas ofthe mat 104. The mat modules 304 may also have a texture. In thismanner, textured areas can be formed in a mat 104. It is contemplatedthat mat modules 304 may themselves comprise one or more variablecushioning areas or one or more textured areas in some embodiments.

Mat modules 304 may be attached to one another in various ways. In oneor more embodiments, one or more fasteners may be used to attach the matmodules 304 together. The fasteners may be removable such that matmodules 304 may be arranged to form differently shaped improved exercisemats 104. Various fasteners may be used including but not limited tohook and loop fasteners, magnets, zippers, buttons, hooks, clips,clamps, screws, and pins. Also, as stated, the mat modules 304 may beshaped such that they interlock to fasten to one another.

The mat modules 304 are advantageous in that they allow the improvedexercise mat 104 to have a variety of shapes. For example, the shapesdescribed above with regard to FIGS. 1A-1F could be formed with matmodules 304. Of course, other shapes may be formed as well. In addition,the mat modules 304 allow an improved exercise mat 104 to bedisassembled for easy storage or transport. Also, if damage were tooccur to the mat 104, only the mat module(s) 304 that are damaged wouldneed to be replaced.

An additional aspect of the improved exercise mat 104 is a covering forthe mat. The cover may protect a portion or all of the mat 104 such asby providing a physical barrier between the mat and the environment. Thecover may prevent dirt, sweat, and the like from contacting the improvedexercise mat 104. In addition, the cover may be more easily washablethan the mat 104. For instance, the cover may be removed and placed in awashing machine for cleaning.

In one embodiment, the cover may form a compartment which accepts themat 104. The cover may be attached or closed through various fasteners.For example, the cover may have one or more hook and loop fasteners orzippers to allow it to be attached to a mat 104 or closed around themat.

In one or more embodiments, the cover may have a similar shape to itsassociated improved exercise mat. In this manner, a snug fit may beprovided between the cover and the mat. This prevents the cover frommoving around during use of the mat. In one or more embodiments, thecover may also perform additional functions. For example, the cover mayhave one or more textured areas such as described above. In addition,the cover may have variable cushioning areas also as described above. Itis contemplated that the cover may be used to give existing exercisemats variable cushioning areas, textured areas, or both if desired.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

1. An improved exercise mat comprising: a mat having a top surface and abottom surface, the mate comprising a resilient material configured toprovide a cushion between a user and a floor during performance of aphysical activity, the mat having: a center section; two or more tabsextending outward from the center section, wherein the two or more tabsextending outward from the center section reduces the likelihood of auser directly contacting the floor during performance of the physicalactivity; and one or more textured areas and one or more smooth areas onthe top surface or bottom surface of the mat.
 2. The mat of claim 1,further comprising two or more variable cushioning areas in the mat, thevariable cushioning areas providing different levels of cushioning to auser.
 3. The mat of claim 2, wherein the two or more variable cushioningareas comprises a first area having a first density and a second areahaving a second density.
 4. The mat of claim 2, wherein the two or morevariable cushioning areas comprises a first area having a firstthickness and a second area having a second thickness.
 5. The mat ofclaim 1, wherein the tabs extend from the center section between amiddle of the center section and an end of the center section.
 6. Themat of claim 1, wherein the texture areas comprises a first area havinga smooth texture and a second area having a surface varying between afirst height and a second height.
 7. An exercise mat, the exercise matcomprising: a generally flat mat comprising at least one padded areaconfigured to provide padding between a user and a floor or other hardsurface; a center section having a height defining a top end and abottom end and a width, wherein the height is greater than the width.one or more extensions extending widthwise from the center section atthe top end, the bottom end, or both, the one or more extensions havinga width that is greater than the width of the center section.
 8. The matof claim 7, wherein the mat has a first side with a first texture and asecond side with a second texture, wherein the first texture has lessfriction than the second texture.
 9. The mat of claim 7, wherein the mathas a first section with a first thickness and a second section with asecond thickness.
 10. The mat of claim 9, wherein the center section isthicker than a thickness of the one or more extensions.
 11. The mat ofclaim 7, wherein the one or more extensions comprise a circular shape.12. The mat of claim 7, wherein the one or more extensions comprise atriangular shape.
 13. The mat of claim 7, wherein the one or moreextensions comprise four rectangular extensions.
 14. The mat of claim 7,wherein the one or more extensions are removable and connectable to thecenter section.
 15. A modular exercise mat, the mat comprising; Two ormore mat modules, the mat modules comprising padded mats; At least onefastener associated with each mat module, wherein the at least onefastener is configured to connect to the at least one mat and to atleast one other fastener; whereby connecting fasteners connects matmodules to create a composite mat comprised of individual mat modules.16. The modular exercise mat of claim 15, wherein at least one of thetwo or more mat modules has a thickness or density that is less than atleast one other mat module.
 17. The modular exercise mat of claim 15,wherein the mat modules are square.
 18. The modular exercise mat ofclaim 15, wherein the mat modules are rectangular.
 19. The modularexercise mat of claim 15, wherein the one or more fasteners comprisehook or loop fastener.
 20. The modular exercise mat of claim 15, whereineach fastener is permanently connected to one mat module and releasablyconnectable to a second mat module.